Tabligh as a Form of Information Sharing for Women: ‘Aisyiyah during the COVID-19 Pandemic in East Java

The COVID-19 pandemic has made everyone adapt in order to survive. The pandemic has an impact on all sectors of society, including religion, economy, health, and education. 'Aisyiyah is an organized women's Muslim group that helps the community in dealing with COVID-19. 'Aisyiyah uses tabligh as a form of information sharing to educate their cadres and the public regarding community problems in dealing with COVID-19. Through qualitative research methods, this study describes in detail how the model and impact of tabligh activities have been carried out by 'Aisyiyah during the pandemic. The results of the study show that tabligh regarding COVID-19 has been a means of education and enlightenment in the community that was met with high enthusiasm from the public. The During the pandemic, 'Aisyiyah East Java was involved in the Social Ta'awun Movement (people-help movement), Centelan and "For Masks.” Other efforts were also carried out by 'Aisyiyah to reach cadres and congregations and invite them to take part in online discussions, to make them feel that they are recognized, accepted, and treated humanely. A negative drawback of online outreach is that many people in East Java cannot attend because of difficulties in using information technology, but the positive impact is that people are able to attend tabligh at any time and do not need to attend in person. ‘Aisyiyah cares for its cadres through measures such as helping to boost immunity and strengthening faith and psychological health as well as providing moral support and assistance to cadres and their families who were left behind during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2022 Journal of International Women's Studies.

The Shifting Social-Religious Behavior of the Minority Muslim Jama’ah Tabligh

This article discusses the changes in religious rituals and social relations experienced by members of the Jama’ah Tabligh as a minority group identified as a cluster in the spread of COVID-19 in Wonosobo, Indonesia. The socio-religious changes during the pandemic were not only influenced by the medical dangers of COVID-19 but also by the societal stigma toward groups of sufferers. This article is based on a research conducted in November 2020 using qualitative methods with data collected through interviews and observations. The results of this study indicate that changes in worship behavior carried out by members of the Jama’ah Tabligh in Wonosobo are caused by the negative societal stigma toward the group. Other groups carried out behaviors of repression and expulsion of all members of the Jama’ah Tabligh, a minority group. As a result of the negative stigma, members of Jama’ah Tabligh responded with a more inclusive attitude. Excessive concerns raised by the community are influenced by mitigation efforts carried out by the authorities in a repressive manner. The socio-religious conflicts that have emerged after the pandemic should be a concern for all groups, beyond health and economic recovery.